Lisa 'will fight for a fair deal'

Published:10:15Updated:10:52Friday 05 February 2010

The woman most people predict will be Wigan's next MP isn't taking victory for granted.

Lisa Nandy – a policy adviser for charity the Children's Society in London – is defending Labour's huge majority in Wigan after winning this week's all-women husting, but still insisted: "There's no room for complacency."

Ms Nandy, 30, who is originally from Bury, said it was a "great privilege" to have been selected by Wigan Labour members and given the chance to "stand up and fight for the town".

And she paid warm tribute to the man she is now likely to replace in Parliament before June – sitting MP Neil Turner, who is retiring.

The Hammersmith and Fulham local councillor will now be defending his 11,700 (39%) majority. She said: "I know as a Labour MP Neil Turner has found it a tremendous honour to represent Wigan in Parliament.

"And, rightly, he can feel proud of what he has achieved.

"He has always fought hard for a better future for Wigan and campaigned hard to win extra investment for the town and I am determined this will continue."

Ms Nandy predicted an "exciting future" for Wigan with the Government having set clear choices for the future that "protect the investment" made in the borough's schools, the NHS and the police.